bad luck, bad lightbulbs, or bad problem?

If you're talking about those 40 or 60W candelebra base that fit some vanity lights, they do burn out much more frequently than normal bulbs. Their small size usually means a hotter bulb.
I am thinking of replacing my fixtures with fluorescents.

Check your line voltage. If it's higher than 120, the bulbs probably won't last as long.

bad luck, bad lightbulbs, or bad problem?

I think some big companies are greedy and intentionally are making them not last so long so they can make more money. Buy a different brand or get LED bulbs which should never burn out and also save electricity.

bad luck, bad lightbulbs, or bad problem?

People stomping around on the floor above?
Your house being close to the pole transformer?

Why would being close to the pole transformer cause light bulbs to burn out prematurely?

The only thing I can think of would be that close to the transformer, the voltage is highest, since POCO probably considers line drop over the greatest distance from the transformer, and being closer would result in a lower IR drop for you.

bad luck, bad lightbulbs, or bad problem?

I had this problem with br30's from Home Depot. I would buy them a case at a time and would always be replacing them. So what I did was called the manufacturer of the bulbs and they sent me a refund for the lights. All I had to do was put all of the old light bulbs in the box they came in and send it to them. They even paid for the shipping. Needless to say I do not buy that brand of light bulbs from there anymore.P.S.when I switched the brand they last alot longer.Good luck

bad luck, bad lightbulbs, or bad problem?

Loose service neutral? Loose neutral on a MWBC? (Common theme being a loose neutral...)

I'm no expert--I'm far, far, far from it--but I'm a smart guy, and the theory that a loose neutral could cause over-voltage makes 100% sense, so check this angle out. (Maybe take a meter and do some voltage checks on your circuits, especially the sockets that are blowing bulbs...)

bad luck, bad lightbulbs, or bad problem?

GOOD POINT! i thought someone had already said that, but the only one close was KE2KB!--> "Check your line voltage. If it's higher than 120, the bulbs probably won't last as long." i guess to US, the next step should be obvious, but thanks for bringing it up as we have no idea if the OP knew! good one.

DM

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bad luck, bad lightbulbs, or bad problem?

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegonagle

Loose service neutral? Loose neutral on a MWBC? (Common theme being a loose neutral...)

I'm no expert--I'm far, far, far from it--but I'm a smart guy, and the theory that a loose neutral could cause over-voltage makes 100% sense, so check this angle out. (Maybe take a meter and do some voltage checks on your circuits, especially the sockets that are blowing bulbs...)

That's a good point. Good thinking!
If the load on one leg is a lot higher (lower resistance) than that on the other, the bulbs on the leg with higher resistance would see higher than 110 if the neutral were to come loose.

If it's an intermittent problem, should show up as lights flickering brighter and dimmer.